The Lares route is a high-mountain trek that crosses active Quechua communities, glacial lakes, and puna grasslands before descending into the Sacred Valley. Unlike the classic Inca Trail, this route prioritizes direct contact with Andean populations that preserve weaving techniques, herding, and subsistence farming practically unchanged since pre-Columbian times. It is the most cultural option among the alternative treks to Machu Picchu.
Contents
- What is the Lares route?
- Day-by-day itinerary of the Lares route
- Variations of the Lares route
- The Lares hot springs
- Quechua communities on the route
- Fauna and flora of the route
- Difficulty and physical condition required
- Best time to do the Lares route
- How much does the Lares route cost?
- What to bring to the Lares route
- Differences between the Lares route and the classic Inca Trail
- Differences between the Lares route and the Inca Jungle Trail
- Frequently asked questions about the Lares route
What is the Lares route?
The trail runs through the district of Lares, in the province of Calca, Cusco region, connecting high-altitude communities with the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The route is not associated with a specific archaeological corridor like the Inca Trail, but with a living territory where the Andean landscape and human presence overlap at every stage of the journey.
The standard route lasts three to four days and covers between 35 and 42 kilometers of hiking depending on the chosen variation. It ends in Ollantaytambo, where the train to Aguas Calientes is taken to access the citadel the following day. It does not require a special permit or limited availability, which makes it bookable at any time of the year.
Day-by-day itinerary of the Lares route
Day 1 — Cusco to the community of Lares or Cancha Cancha
The day begins with transportation by vehicle from Cusco to the starting point, which varies depending on the route variation. The two most commonly used entry points are the town of Lares (3,150 m) and the community of Cancha Cancha (3,750 m), both accessible by road in a two- to three-hour ride.
Upon arrival, the first day’s hike is for adaptation: gentle terrain, livestock grazing on the slopes, and first views toward the snowcapped peaks of Urubamba. The communities in this area raise alpacas and llamas at high altitude, and it is common to find women weaving along the trails using backstrap loom techniques. Overnight stay is in camp or community lodging depending on the package booked.
Day 2 — Ascent to the mountain pass and descent to Huacahuasi
The second day is the most demanding of the route. The ascent leads to the main pass, which depending on the variation may be located between 4,400 and 4,700 meters above sea level. From the summit, when the sky allows it, you can see Sawasiray snow mountain to the north and the glaciers of Pitusiray to the south, two of the protective apus of the region.
The descent toward the community of Huacahuasi passes along slopes with glacial lakes in different shades of blue, some of morainic origin. In Huacahuasi lives a community specialized in alpaca textiles with natural dyes; during the visit it is common for families to show the complete process, from shearing to dyeing with cochineal, indigo, and local plants.
Day 3 — Patacancha and descent to the Sacred Valley
The third stage descends from the puna zone to lower-altitude levels with denser vegetation. The trail crosses the community of Patacancha, known for its ceremonial clothing and for preserving one of the oldest barter fairs in the region, still held on specific dates of the Andean agricultural calendar.
The end of the journey reaches Ollantaytambo, at 2,792 meters of altitude, where you stay overnight. There is time to visit the terraces and the complex of Inca storehouses that dominates the town, as well as the terraces still in use by local farmers.
Day 4 — Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
From Ollantaytambo, the train to Aguas Calientes is taken in the morning. The trip lasts approximately 90 minutes through the Urubamba canyon, with vegetation that becomes progressively denser until entering the high jungle zone. The citadel opens at 6:00 a.m. and the guided tour covers the main sectors: the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, the agricultural terraces, and the Intihuatana. The return to Cusco is made by train and vehicle the same day.
Variations of the Lares route
Short variation — 3 days
It starts directly in Cancha Cancha, eliminating the first approach day. It reduces the total distance but keeps the high pass and contact with the main communities. Recommended for those with limited time or moderate physical condition.
Long variation — 4 days with hot springs
It includes a stage at the Lares hot springs, whose temperature ranges between 38 °C and 42 °C. These natural pools are located at 2,950 meters of altitude and are part of the busiest thermal bath circuit in the Urubamba Valley. This variation adds one day before the main ascent and is the most complete in terms of cultural and scenic experience.
Combined variation with Salkantay
Some groups combine the first section of the Lares route with the descent through the Salkantay corridor, thus crossing two different basins on a five-day journey. This option requires more high-mountain experience and solid physical condition.
The Lares hot springs
The Lares hot springs are one of the distinguishing attractions of this route compared to other treks in the region. They are located in the populated center of Lares and have pools of different temperatures, from the warmest ones (around 35 °C) to the hottest ones (42 °C), fed by underground volcanic sources.
The setting is at more than 2,900 meters of altitude, which creates an unusual combination of cold air and thermal heat. In the dry season the contrast is especially noticeable. The pools have basic changing room infrastructure and are managed by the local municipality.
Quechua communities on the route
Cancha Cancha
It is the highest-altitude community on the standard route. Its inhabitants raise South American camelids in communal grasslands and produce alpaca wool textiles in natural colors: white, brown, gray, and black. The interaction with trekking groups is part of the community’s daily dynamics, which has found in experiential tourism a complement to its agricultural economy.
Huacahuasi
Specialized in textiles dyed with natural pigments. Huacahuasi garments are recognizable by the saturation of their colors and the complexity of their geometric patterns, inherited from pre-Inca traditions. Some groups include a participatory weaving workshop where the traveler learns the basic techniques of the backstrap loom.
Patacancha
Located in the final stretch before Ollantaytambo, it preserves one of the most intact adobe architectures in the rural Sacred Valley. Its patron saint festivals, linked to the Andean agricultural cycle, include dances with handmade costumes that can take years of work in hand embroidery.
Fauna and flora of the route
Fauna
- Andean condor: frequently sighted at high passes, especially in the early morning when thermal currents make gliding easier
- Vicuña: present in puna grasslands above 4,000 meters, protected by law since 1975
- Vizcacha: high-mountain rodent visible in rocky outcrops along the ascent
- Torrent duck: common in the rivers and ravines of the descent toward the Sacred Valley
Flora
- Polylepis or queñual: tree with reddish bark that grows at altitudes where no other tree thrives, forming forests between 3,500 and 4,500 meters
- Ichu: puna grass that covers the high slopes and serves as the main food source for wild and domestic camelids
- Wild orchids: present in the cloud forest sections of the descent, with greater concentration between 3,000 and 3,500 meters
- Cantuta: Peru’s national flower, visible on wind-protected slopes between 2,800 and 3,600 meters
Difficulty and physical condition required
The level of difficulty is moderate to high. The determining factor is not the distance but the altitude of the main pass, which exceeds 4,400 meters. At that elevation, even people in good physical condition may feel the effects of lower available oxygen: faster fatigue, mild headache, and longer recovery time between efforts.
It is recommended to spend at least two days in Cusco before starting the trek for basic acclimatization. Full-day hikes in the Cusco area before the start of the route significantly reduce the impact of altitude during the first days.
Restrictions: not recommended for pregnant women, people with uncontrolled hypertension, heart or respiratory failure, or for those who have had severe altitude sickness episodes on previous trips.
Best time to do the Lares route
Dry season (May to October)
Optimal conditions for trekking. The trails are dry, the risk of landslides is minimal, and the chances of clear skies at the high passes are high. June, July, and August have the highest number of travelers. Camp nights can drop below 0 °C in July and August, especially above 4,000 meters.
Rainy season (November to April)
The route is technically doable, but the dirt trails become muddy and crossing ravines may become complicated after heavy rains. The vegetation is at its most lush and the snowcapped peaks show greater coverage. January and February are the months with the highest rainfall and are the least recommended for groups without experience in wet conditions.
How much does the Lares route cost?
Prices vary depending on the duration, the type of lodging, and the complementary activities included:
| Category | Approximate range per person |
|---|---|
| Budget (basic camping) | $180 – $240 USD |
| Standard | $240 – $320 USD |
| Premium (lodges and glamping) | $350 – $500 USD |
Standard packages include transportation from Cusco, certified bilingual guide, cook, camping equipment, meals during the route, and return train ticket from Aguas Calientes. Admission to Machu Picchu and the Lares hot springs may be included or charged separately depending on the operator.
What to bring to the Lares route
Footwear and clothing:
- Waterproof trekking boots with good-grip soles
- Layered clothing: technical shirt, mid-weight fleece, and windbreaker
- Waterproof jacket with hood
- Wool hat and gloves for the nights and the high pass
- Sunglasses with high UV protection (radiation at 4,500 meters is intense)
Personal gear:
- Daypack between 20 and 30 liters (the heavy gear is carried by the pack mule)
- Trekking poles, especially useful on the descent
- Water bottle of at least one liter or filtration system
- Sunscreen SPF 50 or higher
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Sealable bags to protect electronics and spare clothes
Recommended medications:
- Acetazolamide (Diamox) under medical prescription for altitude
- Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medication
- Elastic wraps for ankles
- Water purification tablets as a backup
Differences between the Lares route and the classic Inca Trail
| Aspect | Lares route | Classic Inca Trail |
|---|---|---|
| Standard duration | 4 days / 3 nights | 4 days / 3 nights |
| Special permit | Not required | Yes, quota of 500 people/day |
| Main focus | Cultural and scenic | Archaeological |
| Maximum altitude | 4,400 – 4,700 m | 4,215 m (Warmiwañusca) |
| Archaeological sites on the route | Patacancha, Ollantaytambo | Wiñaywayna, Phuyupatamarca, Runkurakay |
| Average cost | Lower | Considerably higher |
| Advance booking required | No | Several months in advance |
| Contact with living communities | High | Limited |
Differences between the Lares route and the Inca Jungle Trail
| Aspect | Lares route | Inca Jungle Trail |
|---|---|---|
| Type of experience | Cultural and Andean | Multi-adventure |
| Activities included | Hiking and community visits | Biking, rafting, ziplining |
| Maximum altitude | 4,400 – 4,700 m | 4,316 m (Abra Málaga) |
| Temperature on the route | Cold to cool | Variable, with warm sections |
| Traveler profile | Interested in living culture | Seeks adrenaline and varied physical activity |
Frequently asked questions about the Lares route
Is it possible to do the Lares route without a guide? Technically yes, but it is not recommended. The trails are not continuously marked, weather conditions at high altitude change quickly, and access to the communities is smoother with the help of a guide who speaks Quechua and has prior relationships with the local families.
Do the communities receive money directly from tourism? It depends on the operator. Experiential tourism packages with overnight stays in family homes allocate part of the cost directly to the host families. Buying handicrafts in the communities is the most direct way of immediate economic benefit for the producers.
Is there phone signal on the route? Coverage is intermittent and disappears completely in the high-mountain sections. In the towns at the beginning and end of the route there is signal from the main Peruvian operators. It is recommended to download offline maps before leaving Cusco.
How cold are the nights in camp? In the dry season, between June and August, the nighttime temperature above 4,000 meters can drop between -5 °C and -10 °C. Standard packages include sleeping bags suitable for those conditions, but it is a good idea to verify the comfort temperature of the gear before leaving.
Can you see Machu Picchu at sunrise with this route? Yes. If entrance to the sanctuary is scheduled for the fourth day in the first available time slot (6:00 a.m.), sunrise over the citadel is part of the experience. To guarantee that time slot, it is necessary to book the entrance ticket in advance, since first-shift spots sell out quickly in high season.
Is there an option to bring porters or pack mules? Yes. Standard and premium packages include mules or porters to transport the camping gear and food. The traveler only carries their daypack. This logistics service is included in the price and does not represent an additional cost with most operators.
